Bringing Sustainability to the Next Generation of Engineers at Oklahoma State University

Last fall, Freese and Nichols' Todd Buckingham reinforced the importance of sustainability to an Oklahoma State University senior class.

Todd presented its definition, some implementation strategies and an overview of the Envision Rating System. Todd is one of two Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) trainers in Texas and one of 62 in the world.

Freese and Nichols also offered to those in the class a partial reimbursement for the ENV-SP training.

“Being an Envision Sustainability Professional will help with the future of our world; this is essential in my generation where the infrastructure really is in need of improvement," Conner said. "This will give me a headstart in my career and hopefully encourage others to achieve higher levels of sustainability.”

Freese and Nichols will speak to the Senior Design class this spring about sustainability and how it can be incorporated into engineering practice.

“The Envision Sustainability Professional credential opportunity is extremely valuable for our students," said Norb Delatte, OSU CEAT department head and professor. "This will provide them with a competitive edge when applying for jobs, and helps embed the principles of sustainability in our curriculum. It was also great to be able to add this sustainability information in our CIVE 4041 Engineering Practice class, and Todd’s presentation was very well received by the students.”